[SubZeroParticipant]

Right on time with the “Ben Simmons Explained” thread, he’s absolutely dominating this game. His first shot was an airball from the short corner, and Vandy still can’t stop him. He’s proving why he’s the clear cut #1 pick even with the shooting woes.

He hasn’t had a loud game, but I like Damian Jones.

Something’s wrong with Antonio Blakeney. Don’t know if it’s lack of confidence or what, but he’s struggling bad since the first week of the season.

[BleedGreen808Participant]

 I love when he put pressure on the defense.  At the college level I don’t think there is a player who can guard him 1-on-1.  He’s a mismatch regardless of who you put on him because he’s either too fast or too strong to be stopped.  It also makes it harder to guard LSU as a whole because if you don’t send help he will score in the paint and if you do he’ll hit the open man.  

[SubZeroParticipant]

I’m cringing thinking about how often Alex Poythress and Marcus Lee are gonna foul him when we play LSU

[losnopesosParticipant]

Considering that Poythress has no post moves I’m guessing 3-4 TOs stepping on the out of bounds line and 3 charges.

[losnopesosParticipant]

Considering that Poythress has no post moves I’m guessing 3-4 TOs stepping on the out of bounds line and 3 charges.

[Hype Machine]

I still got Kentucky ftw….Johnny Jones hasnt got what it takes to outcoach Calipari…who probably takes it personally that Simmons’ 2 choices were LSU and Duke.

 

 

[Hype Machine]

I still got Kentucky ftw….Johnny Jones hasnt got what it takes to outcoach Calipari…who probably takes it personally that Simmons’ 2 choices were LSU and Duke.

 

 

[SubZeroParticipant]

I’m cringing thinking about how often Alex Poythress and Marcus Lee are gonna foul him when we play LSU

[BleedGreen808Participant]

 I love when he put pressure on the defense.  At the college level I don’t think there is a player who can guard him 1-on-1.  He’s a mismatch regardless of who you put on him because he’s either too fast or too strong to be stopped.  It also makes it harder to guard LSU as a whole because if you don’t send help he will score in the paint and if you do he’ll hit the open man.  

[OhCanada-Participant]

 I didn’t think LSU would pull it together and hold on for a win. Vanderbilt is legit and had a tough team but it seems like this game is closed. Nice to see Hornsby step up and knock down some shots providing Simmons some support. He made 16/20 free throws that shot isn’t completely broken. Can’t wait for the game vs. Kentucky!

[Hype Machine]

 Looks like ESPN has paid the refs to call any bit of Simmons contact…otherwise it’s been a pretty standard Simmons game (aside from all the FTs)

But I dunno what rock some of you guys have been living under but anyone thats been watching LSU games would know that hes having the best freshman season since the 1 and done rule came into place.

And yes…Im including Kevin Durant.

Some people just refuse to jump on the hype train when it couldn’t be more obvious that the guy is then next big NBA star.

They’re the same people that hate on guys like Kobe, Lebron etc for no other reason except that theyre just so damn good.

 

 

 

[SubZeroParticipant]

I don’t know, I thought almost every foul they called for Simmons was warranted. They couldn’t stay in front of him, keep him boxed out, or outmuscle him all night so they spent most time out of position against him

[SubZeroParticipant]

I don’t know, I thought almost every foul they called for Simmons was warranted. They couldn’t stay in front of him, keep him boxed out, or outmuscle him all night so they spent most time out of position against him

[SlickBouncePassParticipant]

didn’t really have anyone playing Big and Physical with Simmons, which is where he has trouble because I think he’s playing out of position.  He shoudln’t be banging downlow while his terrible guards take terrible shots.

He is, as tripledoublescout suggested, and I have said Multiple Times, a great transition player.  He needs the ball in his hands on every missed shot and should run it up the court.  He’s also one of the most intelligent freshman, and understands extremely well how to play without the ball.

That said, he scores the same way every game.  I have seen him dominate lesser defenses, and struggle against bigger athletic players.  Its not like he is Lebron, who at times will score from the outside, transition, or in the paint.

Simmons NEEDS to score 8 feet away from the bucket and in.  He simply can’t score outside of there, and that is of concern.

But if you want to relegate him to 6’10” facilitator, then yes, he’s great.  I think he’s a little more dynamic than Scottie Pippen, but I dont’ think he’s the defender Scottie Pippen is (maybe he can be), but he definitely is NOT the knockdown shooter Scottie was.  

I think he is a better transition player than Lamar Odom, meaning he has more muscle than Lamar Odom, but again, Odom had more skill overall.

I def don’t think He’s baby-Lebron, or baby T-Mac who had more skill.

He is a HUGE question in his game, and that is, his Shot.  Beyond that, I think he will be the best transition player in the game once Lebron retires, well, Russell Westbrook also has something to say about that.  

 

He may be having a better season than Kevin Durant, but who cares?  Will that skill translate to the NBA?  Kevin Durant’s unquestionably did.  Kevin Durant is a top 3 NBA player….you’re saying Simmons is guaranteed?

No, style of play matters.  That bum Beasely was a force in college too, this doesn’t mean anything.  don’t compare freshman seasons….rather assess whether style of play will translate to the NBA.

For instance, Marcus Smart.  He was a bulldog without much skill.  You knew he had the body and athleticism of an NBA player, but his skill wasn’t there.  Smart is liek a football player’s body playing basketball.  Its the same way with Simmons.  As tremendous as he seems athletically, he needs to work on his SHOT and his Finishing….otherwise, maybe he’s a 6’10” Marcus Smart, limited in skill.

I think he’ll be better than marcus smart only because he is a great passer and his IQ is way higher.

I still don’t think I would be shocked if Brandon Ingram becomes the better pro.  It all depends on Ingram’s competetiveness.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

[Hype Machine]

Yes, I’m saying its guaranteed that his style of play will enable him to dominate the NBA. There’s less than 3 guys in the NBA right now who can guard Simmons the entire length of the court.

The same mismatches that Vandy had… every NBA team will have.

If Simmons was in the NBA, his Rookie Stats would be equal to Lebrons first year and he’d win Rookie of the year with no contest.

By the end of his Rookie deal, he will be an MVP contender.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Hype Machine]

Yes, I’m saying its guaranteed that his style of play will enable him to dominate the NBA. There’s less than 3 guys in the NBA right now who can guard Simmons the entire length of the court.

The same mismatches that Vandy had… every NBA team will have.

If Simmons was in the NBA, his Rookie Stats would be equal to Lebrons first year and he’d win Rookie of the year with no contest.

By the end of his Rookie deal, he will be an MVP contender.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[ChoppyParticipant]

 What are you smoking? You’re either underestimating Simmons ability or overestimating Odoms. 

[ChoppyParticipant]

 What are you smoking? You’re either underestimating Simmons ability or overestimating Odoms. 

[SlickBouncePassParticipant]

didn’t really have anyone playing Big and Physical with Simmons, which is where he has trouble because I think he’s playing out of position.  He shoudln’t be banging downlow while his terrible guards take terrible shots.

He is, as tripledoublescout suggested, and I have said Multiple Times, a great transition player.  He needs the ball in his hands on every missed shot and should run it up the court.  He’s also one of the most intelligent freshman, and understands extremely well how to play without the ball.

That said, he scores the same way every game.  I have seen him dominate lesser defenses, and struggle against bigger athletic players.  Its not like he is Lebron, who at times will score from the outside, transition, or in the paint.

Simmons NEEDS to score 8 feet away from the bucket and in.  He simply can’t score outside of there, and that is of concern.

But if you want to relegate him to 6’10” facilitator, then yes, he’s great.  I think he’s a little more dynamic than Scottie Pippen, but I dont’ think he’s the defender Scottie Pippen is (maybe he can be), but he definitely is NOT the knockdown shooter Scottie was.  

I think he is a better transition player than Lamar Odom, meaning he has more muscle than Lamar Odom, but again, Odom had more skill overall.

I def don’t think He’s baby-Lebron, or baby T-Mac who had more skill.

He is a HUGE question in his game, and that is, his Shot.  Beyond that, I think he will be the best transition player in the game once Lebron retires, well, Russell Westbrook also has something to say about that.  

 

He may be having a better season than Kevin Durant, but who cares?  Will that skill translate to the NBA?  Kevin Durant’s unquestionably did.  Kevin Durant is a top 3 NBA player….you’re saying Simmons is guaranteed?

No, style of play matters.  That bum Beasely was a force in college too, this doesn’t mean anything.  don’t compare freshman seasons….rather assess whether style of play will translate to the NBA.

For instance, Marcus Smart.  He was a bulldog without much skill.  You knew he had the body and athleticism of an NBA player, but his skill wasn’t there.  Smart is liek a football player’s body playing basketball.  Its the same way with Simmons.  As tremendous as he seems athletically, he needs to work on his SHOT and his Finishing….otherwise, maybe he’s a 6’10” Marcus Smart, limited in skill.

I think he’ll be better than marcus smart only because he is a great passer and his IQ is way higher.

I still don’t think I would be shocked if Brandon Ingram becomes the better pro.  It all depends on Ingram’s competetiveness.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

[OhCanada-Participant]

 I didn’t think LSU would pull it together and hold on for a win. Vanderbilt is legit and had a tough team but it seems like this game is closed. Nice to see Hornsby step up and knock down some shots providing Simmons some support. He made 16/20 free throws that shot isn’t completely broken. Can’t wait for the game vs. Kentucky!

[Hype Machine]

 Looks like ESPN has paid the refs to call any bit of Simmons contact…otherwise it’s been a pretty standard Simmons game (aside from all the FTs)

But I dunno what rock some of you guys have been living under but anyone thats been watching LSU games would know that hes having the best freshman season since the 1 and done rule came into place.

And yes…Im including Kevin Durant.

Some people just refuse to jump on the hype train when it couldn’t be more obvious that the guy is then next big NBA star.

They’re the same people that hate on guys like Kobe, Lebron etc for no other reason except that theyre just so damn good.

 

 

 

[TripleDoubleScoutParticipant]

 Anyone else notice that when Simmons shifted to the PG spot at the start of the second half, that’s when LSU’s offense started to gain steam/flow? Also, really disappointed in Vandy’s performance. I thought they were a better team than that, but maybe it was an off night. Agree with the OP about Damian Jones. Showed a few NBA moves…

[TripleDoubleScoutParticipant]

 Anyone else notice that when Simmons shifted to the PG spot at the start of the second half, that’s when LSU’s offense started to gain steam/flow? Also, really disappointed in Vandy’s performance. I thought they were a better team than that, but maybe it was an off night. Agree with the OP about Damian Jones. Showed a few NBA moves…

[SteezGawdParticipant]

I pray that whoever drafts this guy (who I hope is my hometown Pelicans if not my other fav. team, Lakers) just let him play point guard and surround him with an athletic big and a couple shooters. Man him and AD in a pick n roll with a few shooters…omg…or him and D. Russ running pick n rolls in LA…with a corner shooter and a big who actually can catch a lob pass… I’d move to LA I swear. If they get Ben Simmons I’m leaving the Nola and moving to LA giving out coroners to all my esse’s.

[SteezGawdParticipant]

I pray that whoever drafts this guy (who I hope is my hometown Pelicans if not my other fav. team, Lakers) just let him play point guard and surround him with an athletic big and a couple shooters. Man him and AD in a pick n roll with a few shooters…omg…or him and D. Russ running pick n rolls in LA…with a corner shooter and a big who actually can catch a lob pass… I’d move to LA I swear. If they get Ben Simmons I’m leaving the Nola and moving to LA giving out coroners to all my esse’s.

[Dazzling Dunks and Basketball BloopersParticipant]

 I really liked what I saw from Simmons last night. He came out aggressive and looked fully engaged from the start. Even though his first shot was an air ball be shot it without hesitation. You could argue that some of fouls were questionable but he at least put the pressure on the refs to call them by attacking. A player like Simmons will get the benefit of the doubt more often than not if he’s aggressive. 

He might naturally be more comfortable in the facilitator role. However, the great players will adapt to whatever their team needs to win. This is the Simmons that lsu is going to need through conference play if they are going to have a realistic shot at the tourney.

 

[Dazzling Dunks and Basketball BloopersParticipant]

 I really liked what I saw from Simmons last night. He came out aggressive and looked fully engaged from the start. Even though his first shot was an air ball be shot it without hesitation. You could argue that some of fouls were questionable but he at least put the pressure on the refs to call them by attacking. A player like Simmons will get the benefit of the doubt more often than not if he’s aggressive. 

He might naturally be more comfortable in the facilitator role. However, the great players will adapt to whatever their team needs to win. This is the Simmons that lsu is going to need through conference play if they are going to have a realistic shot at the tourney.

 

[BiggysmallsParticipant]

 Man I feel like all people want is to find the next best pick n roll combo? 

Putting Simmons in pick n rolls all the time, would be a waste I think. The guy is going to eat up bigs on drives to the basket…why draw an extra defender to him in a pick n roll and make him give up the ball further away from the basket? 

Haven’t watched much LSU so my question about him wouldn’t be in relation to his shooting, but I want to know how he is when he doesnt have the ball? Does he have to monopolize the offense to be effective? 

Don’t like guys that absolutely HAVE to have the ball in their hands to make an impact…not sure if that is Simmons or not, more just a preferance for me watching basketball. 

 

 

 

 

 

[SubZeroParticipant]

I say put the ball in his hands because that’s where he’s best, but he was orchestrating the offense even when he was posting up. He was directing people and showing them where to go and when to pass it. He did a great job at getting position down low to get fouled or get an easy layup/dunk

[SubZeroParticipant]

I say put the ball in his hands because that’s where he’s best, but he was orchestrating the offense even when he was posting up. He was directing people and showing them where to go and when to pass it. He did a great job at getting position down low to get fouled or get an easy layup/dunk

[BiggysmallsParticipant]

 Man I feel like all people want is to find the next best pick n roll combo? 

Putting Simmons in pick n rolls all the time, would be a waste I think. The guy is going to eat up bigs on drives to the basket…why draw an extra defender to him in a pick n roll and make him give up the ball further away from the basket? 

Haven’t watched much LSU so my question about him wouldn’t be in relation to his shooting, but I want to know how he is when he doesnt have the ball? Does he have to monopolize the offense to be effective? 

Don’t like guys that absolutely HAVE to have the ball in their hands to make an impact…not sure if that is Simmons or not, more just a preferance for me watching basketball. 

 

 

 

 

 

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